“I would have to imagine when a defense starts talking about us,” Rivers said, “the first guy they game-plan for is Gates.”

The Chargers could have to alter their game plan against the Patriots.

While punter Mike Scifres, who ably handled kickoffs against the Rams, did make a 56-yarder as time expired to win the Gateway Conference title for Western Illinois in 2000, he has never attempted a field goal in the NFL. It is more likely the Chargers would sign a placekicker as a temporary solution while Kaeding heals.

Whichever route the Chargers go, they would be limited in how and when they choose to attempt a field goal.

Having made seven of his nine tries this season, including five of six from beyond 40 yards, Kaeding’s 86.7 percent career success rate makes him the most accurate regular-season field goal kicker in NFL history.

Kaeding made a 41-yard field goal Sunday but slipped while attempting a 49-yarder. That kick caromed off a Rams player’s back.

Nick Novak, who made two of his three field goals for the Chargers this preseason, is not an option. Novak is kicking in the UFL.

Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith is on the road scouting and did not return a call.